Falcons HC Raheem Morris defends drafting Michael Penix Jr. - "When it's his turn, you won't have any question"

The Atlanta Falcons shocked the world by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the NFL Draft. This came just shortly after inking Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal in free agency, so it was a big surprise. They have been criticized endlessly, but new head coach Raheem Morris believes they made the right and smart pick there.

Morris said (4:45 – 5:46):

"I'm really fired up with decisions we made based off of the current climate of what happens in the National Football League. ... Going to get Michael Penix secured our future and secured a way for us to go whenever that future happens. And whenever that starts, based on our current climate."

He added that he's happy that they landed Cousins and is looking forward to his leadership. But when they had the chance to get a young guy to benefit from that leadership, they knew they wanted to do it:

"A guy that has actually played at a high level in this league, made a lot of money in this league, at multiple teams, has done it on a different level, is a great family man."

He called Penix "pro-ready" and said he's thrilled for him to get a chance to sit behind Cousins and watch him do what he does, adding some fire for those who've criticized the pick:

"When it's his turn, you won't have any question whether he's ready or not."

Penix is on a four-year rookie deal with a fifth-year option since he was a first-round pick. Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal in free agency.

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Kirk Cousins talks Michael Penix Jr. selection

Kirk Cousins was as surprised as anyone when Michael Penix Jr.'s name was called by his team with their first-round pick. However, he is taking it as a reminder that even he's not safe from a backup and that improvement is always necessary.

Kirk Cousins spoke on the shock selection (Imagn)

He said, via Bleacher Report:

"You've got to earn everything. You just have to go out and play the best you can and believe that if you play well at the quarterback position, there will always be a team or a market for you to be able to keep playing."

It's unlikely that a true QB battle is taking place, but fans may get antsy if Cousins struggles during his first season with the Atlanta Falcons.